Fulham

Drew Heatley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

I have spoken before about how I see us and Crystal Palace as footballing equals, but the past year has seen a gulf emerge between the two clubs.

It was apparent on Sunday more than ever. Palace, FA Cup winners having unceremoniously dumped us out on route to Wembley last season, came to the Cottage with a wonderful record against us in SW6. They left with an even better one.

While the Eagles soar to the top four of the Premier League, there is a feeling of malaise around Craven Cottage. And I am starting to wonder if it has something to do with Marco Silva's contract.

It is hard to see either manager in their respective dugouts next season. Palace boss Oliver Glasner looks certain to move on to a bigger club, such is his impact since arriving nearly two years ago, while Silva looks uninterested in signing the extension placed in front of him.

It feels like a foolish move, considering our form and league position. Our run of seven losses in our last 10 games is our worst under our Portuguese boss – and he might find the papers on the table disappear if that continues.

It feels like the next four fixtures will not only decide our season, but Marco's future.

We have a trio of six-pointers against Burnley, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final against holders Newcastle nestled in the middle.

If we emerge from those games with fewer than six points and another failed cup run, then this malaise will have developed into a full-blown crisis, with Silva the main casualty.

It hurts to watch a peer continue to ascend as we stagnate. Hopefully this defeat will act as a catalyst for our own rise.

Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Everton's lofty position didn't last long as Crystal Palace leapfrogged them into the top five on Sunday. Brighton would have done the same had they scored just one more against a now livelier looking West Ham.

‌It is wildly tight in that mid table area. Fulham went 2-1 up against Palace only for their goal to ruled marginally offside by VAR. Three points suddenly became none when Marc Guehi got the winner for Oliver Glasner's side.

‌It might only be a small consolation, but Harry Wilson's strike may well win Goal of the Season - if not, then they should open a category for most artistically pleasing goal.

‌This delight would be a shoo-in for that prize, even beating the ingenious Rabona from Rayan Cherki that Phil Foden nodded home against Sunderland.

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The FA Cup third round will take place between Thursday, 8 January and Monday, 12 January.

Find out who your Premier League club will play below.

• Wolves v Shrewsbury Town

• Tottenham v Aston Villa

• Wrexham v Nottingham Forest

• Charlton Athletic v Chelsea

• Manchester City v Exeter City

• West Ham v Queens Park Rangers

• Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford

• Fulham v Middlesbrough

• Everton v Sunderland

• Liverpool v Barnsley

• Burnley v Millwall

• Portsmouth v Arsenal

• Derby County v Leeds United

• Newcastle v Bournemouth

• Macclesfield v Crystal Palace

• Manchester United v Brighton

See full draw here

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The draw for the third round of the FA Cup will take place on Monday, 8 December at around 18:40 GMT, before the broadcast of Brackley Town v Burton Albion - the final game of the Second Round.

Former England internationals Joe Cole and Peter Crouch will conduct the draw that will consist of 64 teams on TNT Sports.

The 20 winners of the second-round ties will be joined by all 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship teams in the third round.

All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 10 January 2026.

Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra-time and if necessary, a penalty shootout.

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Fulham and Crystal Palace, which lifted the Eagles into the Champions League spots.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

James: A fantastic performance for 65 minutes, until Silva's erratic decision-making completely cost us. Terrible substitutes, he took off all our best players and replaced them with duds, plus he didn't take off an obviously-injured Jimenez. Zonal marking on corners let Marc Guehi score. He can talk all he likes about his ambition, but at the moment we are sleepwalking towards relegation.

Mike: I saw nothing to suggest we can survive a relegation battle. Jimenez is completely out of his depth and Kevin is a complete waste of money. January can't come quick enough.

Ian: We looked good in parts. Jimenez is in need of a rest and Crystal Palace's quick balls into danger areas, turning our defenders, caused a few problems but a draw would've been fair. Points need to be picked up soon as this season is turning into a massive look over the shoulder. Silva is going to have to make some hard decisions soon in terms of dropping people. But I'm glad Emile Smith Rowe has shown his quality in the last few games.

Palace fans

Pedro: A well-deserved and hard-fought win, taking us into the top four. Let's hope these guys still have enough energy to win at Shelbourne and beat Manchester City. Tired, resilient and magnificent.

Gwen: It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win at the end of the day. I'm still worried about the constant missed chances from Mateta, yet again, and Clyne, which is more excusable considering he hasn't played a lot of football and is a right-back.

Andy: A great game, full of entertainment from both sides. I wonder why VAR didn't advise the referee to look at the screen for a possible penalty, but the VAR decision to disallow Fulham's second goal made up for that. Both teams had spells when they were on top and eventually a great finish from Guehi sealed the game. I feel for Fulham as they did dig deep.

Ant: Finally VAR went our way and we ground out a result the manager's way.

Pundits Thomas Hitzlsperger and Shay Given join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brighton 1-1 West Ham

• Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Marco Silva's side showed they are capable of scoring goals and hanging in games no matter the deficit when they almost came back from four goals down against Manchester City on Tuesday but ultimately lost 5-4.

But scoring goals against a defence as compact as Crystal Palace's was always going to be tough and it required a moment of magic from Harry Wilson to find the equaliser.

The Welsh winger played a lovely one-two with Alex Iwobi before unleashing a delicious curled effort with the outside of his boot and that looked like it would be the moment of the match before Palace found the winner.

The Cottagers had clearly taken confidence from their display in midweek, Calvin Bassey was a bright spark in the middle of the park and they created no shortage of opportunities.

But another narrow loss will serve as a disappointing result for Silva's side, who are at risk of being dragged into a relegation battle if consistency does not improve.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has been speaking to Sky Sports about the defeat to Crystal Palace: "A disappointing result. We didn't deserve it. We knew it would be tough. We knew they were a team that would come here to try to block us, sit deep and organise themselves in a 4-5-1 every time. We knew we had to be patient.

"We started well on the front foot. They scored but the reaction from the team was good.

"For the disallowed goal, probably the nail of [Samuel] Chukwueze is too big. That's another VAR decision that has gone against us. We should've moved the ball quicker."

Fulham goalscorer Harry Wilson has also been speaking to Sky Sports about the performance: "We managed to get the goal in the first half and I felt like the game was there for us to win. When it got disallowed, we didn't quite recover from that.

"If you can't win then don't lose. We are really disappointed to concede from a set play. We are down, no player likes to lose. If you can't win then don't lose, that's what hurts us.

"To score four goals against Manchester City, we have to take positives from that. We've got a tough game away at Burnley next week and then the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. The games are coming [quickly]."

On scoring his goal: "It would've meant a lot more if we got the three points, but it was still a nice goal for me personally. It's hard to play against a team like Crystal Palace. I was able to use the outside of my foot and find the far corner. It felt really nice to score, but I'm just disappointed it didn't lead to anything."

Did you know?

• Fulham have lost seven of their past 10 Premier League games (W3), their joint-most defeats in a 10-match stretch under manager Marco Silva (also March to May 2023).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Fulham’s performance

What did you make of Crystal Palace's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Fulham make two changes to the side that narrowly lost out in that nine-goal thriller to Manchester City.

Timothy Castagne replaces Ryan Sessegnon in defence, while Samuel Chukwueze's impressive performances from the bench, including two goals in midweek, have earned him a place in the starting line-up. Sasa Lukic drops to the bench.

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne, Berge, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Iwobi, Jimenez, Chukwueze

Substitutes: Lecomte, Cairney, Adama, Cuenca, Kusi-Asare, Lukic, Kevin, King, Diop

Crystal Palace also make two changes from their narrow win earlier this week. Daniel Munoz was the man to score the only goal in that win over Burnley but he is missing from Oliver Glasner's squad this afternoon.

Eddie Nketiah and Nathaniel Clyne start, while Jefferson Lerma drops to the bench.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Wharton, Mitchell, Kamada, Pino, Mateta, Clyne, Nketiah

Substitutes: Matthews, Benitez, Lerma, Uche, Hughes, Esse, Canvot, Sosa, Devenny

There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v West Ham (14:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Crystal Palace (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Follow action and reaction here from Amex Stadium

Check out our coverage from Craven Cottage

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v West Ham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Crystal Palace".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

I saw nine goals at Craven Cottage on Tuesday but I am not expecting a high-scoring game here.

Crystal Palace don't seem to score or concede that many, and Fulham aren't usually so prolific, either.

I do love a 1-0 to Palace with my predictions but watching Josh King and Samuel Chukwueze tear Manchester City apart in midweek makes me think they can cause Oliver Glasner's side some problems too.

Still, there is no way the Eagles will be as open as City were, so I am in two minds here.

I was tempted to go for a 1-1 draw, but let's stick with a narrow Palace win.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Henry Cowling
BBC Sport journalist

After a rollercoaster 5-4 loss to Manchester City in midweek, Fulham face a Crystal Palace side who have made their best start to a Premier League season. The hosts will be hoping for a less chaotic defensive performance after their first top-flight match to produce nine or more goals since February 1968. BBC Sport looks at two key players ahead of Sunday's fixture (16:30 GMT).

Super Samuel

For long periods on Tuesday, it looked as if Manchester City were cruising to a comfortable win at Craven Cottage, as they opened up a 3-1 half-time lead. That was when AC Milan loanee Samuel Chukwueze was introduced for midfielder Sasa Lukic in a clear statement of attacking intent by head coach Marco Silva.

It was perhaps a surprise Chukwueze did not start after an impressive performance in the win at Tottenham. He provided the assist for Kenny Tete's goal after just four minutes there, when he went past two players before laying it off.

Chukwueze almost got off the mark for Fulham in that game, rattling the post with a curled effort from outside the box, but he compensated for that with a quick-fire double against City.

Despite operating on limited minutes, his contribution is impressive. He's currently averaging a goal or assist every 46 minutes in the Premier League this season, scoring three and assisting two, and his stats per 90 minutes put him among the most influential players in the division.

Marauding Munoz

Crystal Palace gave a resilient display at Burnley in midweek, with Daniel Munoz scoring the only goal of the game to put them on 23 points. While it was a fixture Palace might have been expected to win, the home side had the advantage of rest. It was Burnley's 16th match of the season compared to Palace's 23rd.

Munoz has once more proved to be a key attacking outlet for Palace. No defender has more Premier League goal involvements this season and he's joint second for most shots behind Riccardo Calafiori. Only striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta has been involved in more open-play sequences that ended in a shot for Palace this season.

Munoz may be relied upon again for attacking output in Sunday's match, given Mateta's poor record in this fixture. The French striker has never scored a Premier League goal in his five appearances against Fulham.

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham boss Marco Silva says the "braveness" showed by his side in Tuesday's dramatic defeat by Manchester City will "help" them take points in the future.

The Cottagers fought back from 5-1 down to 5-4, but fell just short of a historic point.

"The reaction from the boys and from the fans was top," said Silva.

"Only a team with great character is able to do what our team did in that night.

"The way we reacted from a really heavy score in that moment, with heart, quality and belief, everything was there - the braveness to go instead of to keep ourselves from the damage being bigger."

Fulham welcome fifth-place Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage on Sunday, looking to return to winning ways after a run of two consecutive victories came to an end against City.

Silva hopes the momentum created in the second half against City, and the reaction from the crowd, will strengthen his side going forward.

"It is nice that we are going to play again at home because they all had good feelings from the second half, so let's hope we can put them on to Sunday's match with our fans together again," he added.

"We didn't take points from that night, but it is going to help us to take in the future for sure."

However, the Eagles will pose a real challenge as they look to continue their fine start.

"Good players, it's going to be a competitive game again," Silva said on Oliver Glasner's team.

"Physical side, we know that they are solid, we know that they are capable to sometimes go longer periods without the ball, and they are not really concerned about it because they really believe that in their offensive transition and counter attacks, they have players to punish.

"Strong in set-pieces, too, and we have to be ready for it.

"A side that normally has the capacity to keep clean sheets – if you look for the number of clean sheets away from home, from the last probably 20 to 30 games, it's been impressive from them.

"That is a sign that they can be solid, they can be compact, they don't care too much if they are not always on the top of the game, because they believe in the way they set up themselves on the pitch.

"Knowing that we are playing at home, Craven Cottage is going to be bouncing again, I really believe, and they are going to help the team to try to win the game."

Listen to commentary of Fulham v Crystal Palace on Radio 5 Live

Pundits Danny Murphy and Shay Given join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Tuesday and Wednesday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

Fulham will have to pay AC Milan 28 million euros (£24.5m) to make 26-year-old Nigeria winger Samuel Chukwueze's loan move permanent. (Calcio Mercato - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Premier League game between Fulham and Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

Chris: Despite the loss, we saw something rare from Fulham, which was fighting spirit. Despite being 5-1 down, they kept going and never gave in. Bring on Crystal Palace.

Richard: Extraordinary match with a unique Fulham comeback, which arguably deserved a point. City were sublime for an hour, but the introduction of Samuel Chukwueze galvanised Fulham, leading to a pulsating final 20 minutes. So close!

Derek: Fulham showed courage and attitude that is rare in the Premier League. We have great players who can turn games, and they did just that. Fell short at the end, but what an effort. I've only seen one game more dramatic at the Cottage - Fulham v Juventus, 2010.

Edward: So near yet so far is Fulham's motto.

Man City fans

Freddie: We dominated in the first five minutes, but then it became more even. In the second half, we were incredibly poor and Fulham dominated. How we almost drew from 5-1 up is unbelievable. At least Erling Haaland scored, and Phil Foden is back to his best - a great first goal from him.

John M: I thought it was all over at half-time - a nervous final 20 minutes.

Alan: Not sure my poor little heart can take another game like that. At 5-4, we feared the worst. Well played to Fulham, who were fearless.

John: It is abundantly clear that Pep Guardiola has not filled the gap left by the ever-non-returning Rodri. Nico Gonzalez is too hesitant, too slow and lacks inventiveness. Otherwise, Manchester City will not challenge Arsenal and may even finish below fourth.

Defender Timothy Castagne, 29, could leave Fulham in January to ensure his place in Belgium's squad for next summer's World Cup. (DH - in French), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Fulham manager Marco Silva speaking to Match of the Day: "Of course we take many positives from the game but the feeling is not the best, as you would expect.

"Before the game we had the ambition and the conditions, I believe, to get a different result. Massive respect to City, we knew the bad record from ourselves since 2009 against them - we wanted to change this tonight.

"The way we started, again, made this more difficult for us. We were too soft, we didn't start on the front foot, like we should start these games.

"The first 20 minutes were difficult. We conceded the second goal too soft. The reaction of the team was always good, even after 1-0 we had a big chance through Emile [Smith Rowe] to score to equalise the game.

"It's a game where you score four goals and lose at home, the feeling is not good.

"I told the players at half time 'I have a feeling you are going to score in the second half'. First minutes of the second half, we conceded straight away. The reaction was top, the belief that they showed there.

"We didn't take any points but we took many many things from this game which will help us to win games in the future."

On what he was thinking when 5-1 down: "It was a very tough moment. I really felt during the first half that what we planned was what was needed.

"Off the ball we were not aggressive enough.

"I really have to praise the players for their reaction. They deserve much more."

On Josh King's effort, cleared off the goal line in added time: "It was a great moment from us, the way the ball comes from one side to the other.

"It is what it is, it's football. Probably the players deserve a point but let's move forward for Crystal Palace."

On the home support: "The respect that the fans showed at the end of the game means more than one point. They did something that is not normal in football because the fans showed that respect. We have to move on and we'll need them again on Sunday."

Did you know?

Fulham boss Marco Silva has lost all 13 of his Premier League meetings with Manchester City, the highest 100% loss record a manager has against an opponent in the competition.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

This was always going to be a tough task for Fulham, particularly given their record against Manchester City, having not taken a point off them since a 2-2 draw in 2011.

Yet they almost ended their losing run in the one-sided rivalry with a comeback that would have ranked as one of the all-time greats.

For large periods it looked like being a comfortable win for City, but the introduction of Chukwueze swung momentum in Fulham's favour, with his energy and pace causing the visitors' defence numerous problems.

The game may have ended in defeat, but Fulham supporters will take plenty of heart from their side's second-half performance, while they have now scored six goals in their past two games against tricky opponents in Tottenham and City.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Fulham's display?

Have your say on Man City's performance

Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies